House Concurrent Resolution 40

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF RETIRED AIR FORCE COLONEL AND JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY ICON MAYOR BUFORD C. BLOUNT II OF BASSFIELD, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, the Town of Bassfield, Mississippi, lost its father figure and a Jefferson Davis County icon, with the death of Bassfield Mayor Buford C. Blount II, who departed this earthly life to enter into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, bringing great sorrow to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Buford Blount, who is believed to be not only the oldest mayor in the state but also the longest serving, was in his 36th year as Bassfield's mayor, after having been elected to a ninth term in June 2009; and

WHEREAS, a decorated Air Force colonel who served in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, retired after a 28-year distinguished military career, which also included overseeing air operations in Vietnam and a stint as Chief of Staff at Keesler Air Force Base, Mayor Blount returned to Bassfield and became known for his dedication to his hometown and devotion to family, particularly his wife, Cecil; and

WHEREAS, born on December 31, 1921, the son of the town's doctor, Estes N. Blount, whose office was above the pharmacy, and Mary Hathorn Blount, Mayor Blount was the youngest of four children; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the rivers of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores, the legacy of his memory will continue to penetrate the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted survivors: wife of 63 years, Cecil Glenn Blount; two sons, Retired Major General Buford C. Blount III and Robert D. Blount; three daughters, Susan Stacy, Gigi Blount and Lisa Blount; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of the longest-serving mayor in Mississippi, who was an iconic public servant in the finest traditions of Mississippi government:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of public service of Retired Air Force Colonel, Jefferson Davis County civic leader and nine-term Bassfield Mayor Buford C. Blount II, the oldest and longest-serving mayor in Mississippi, and extend to his family and friends most heartfelt sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mayor Blount, the Board of Aldermen of Bassfield, the Board of Supervisors of Jefferson Davis County and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.